Logies drama: Sam Armytage snub

The countdown to the annual Logie Awards is on and controversy is already brewing.

Ex-Seven employee Samantha Armytage was forward to present a Logie Award but this was promptly kiboshed. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The countdown to the annual Logie Awards is on, and controversy is already brewing.

In the past two years Seven have held the broadcasting rights to the annual Logie awards, but the network has been accused by viewers of showing bias towards their own talent.

And this year may be no different.

Sunday Confidential has heard chatter that Nine had put their new recruit, ex-Seven employee Samantha Armytage forward to present an award on August 3, however apparently it was promptly kiboshed by organisers of the event.

It is rumoured that Armytage will be attending the event alongside the star of her program The Golden Bachelor, Barry “Bear” Myrden.

“They will use the night to debut Bear for the first time,” one insider said.

We will also be interested to see who will stand up and accept the award for Best Structured Reality Program if Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife were to take out the gong.

Sam Armytage.

For three years, including 2024 (the period which earned the Logies nomination) Armytage fronted the series.

In 2025, long-time host Natalie Gruzlewski reclaimed the reins, and although Farmer still pulled in solid numbers, it’s been notably outpaced by Nine’s The Floor.

Farmer is up against Gogglebox Australia (Network 10) Married At First Sight, (9Network), Muster Dogs: Collies & Kelpies (ABC), Shark Tank Australia (Network 10) and The Real Housewives of Sydney (BINGE/FOXTEL).

We can also reveal the talent enlisted to perform next Sunday, at The Star Sydney, includes international superstar Richard Marx and local hit-maker Guy Sebastian.

Natalie Gruzlewski.

Marx is a GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter whose influence spans four decades. Australians have always been huge supporters of my music and have brought their passion and infectious energy to my live shows across the decades. It is a privilege to be performing at Aussie TV’s biggest night of celebrations,” he said.

Among those confirmed to attend the annual TV awards night are Carrie Bickmore, Karl Stefanovic, Samantha Armytage, Marta Dusseldorp, Ray Meagher, Scott Cam, Ada Nicodemou, Natalie Gruzlewski, Eddie McGuire, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Edwina Bartholomew, and Colin Fassnidge.

American singer songwriter star Richard Marx. Picture: Daisy Fuentes.

They join previously announced presenters including Kitty Flanagan, Hamish Blake, Leigh Sales, Sophie Monk, Tom Gleeson, Denise Scott, Michael Theo, Tara Brown, Manu Feildel, Rodger Corser, Mel Buttle, Larry Emdur, Rebecca Gibney, Zan Rowe, Chloe Hayden, Ayesha Madon, Melanie Bracewell, Tim McDonald, Richard Wilkins, John Aiken, Alessandra Rampolla, Amanda Keller, Ricki-Lee, Justine Clarke, Kate Miller-Heidke, Poh Ling Yeow, Michael Usher, Emily Weir and Ray Martin.

Comedian Sam Pang will once again host this year’s TV WEEK Logie Awards.

Originally published as Logies drama: Sam Armytage snub